Robert V. Petersen Sr.

Born July 27, 1943, in Morris, he was the son of Julius and Victoria Claypool Petersen. He received his education in the Morris schools.

Bob married the love of his life, Bonnie L. Leach, on Nov. 18, 1961, in the Mazon Methodist Church.
He was employed as a machinist with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, Ill., for 30 years, retiring in 1994.

Bob was a regular attendee at the Morris Cruise nights and the Wendy’s Cruisers events with his 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria Two-Door Hardtop. He was a NASCAR race fan, enjoyed traveling and various games of chance, as well as spending time visiting with his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a former member of the Mazon Fire Department and the Mazon Lions Club. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local # 851 in Channahon, Ill.
Surviving are his three loving children, Tina and her husband, Bill Atkinson, of Morris; Robert Peterson Jr., and his special companion, Kelli Weber, of Mazon; and Jason Peterson and his wife, Angie, of Oskaloosa, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Bonnie, on June 11, 2006; and two sisters, Helen Rogers and Ann Henry

Friends may call on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Jill Bunker of the Verona Methodist Church will officiate at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris. Interment will follow in Mazon-Brookside Cemetery.

Bob was the recipient of a heart transplant in August of 2006, and the family’s wishes are that memorial gifts in his memory be directed to “Donate Life.”

Condolences can be extended online to his family at www.ucdavisandsons.com.

U.C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., Morris, is in charge of arrangements.